After an 8-8 season, the Steelers are at a crossroads. They still have Ben Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl winner at quarterback, but his supporting cast has deteriorated.

Known for building through the draft rather than free agency, general manager Kevin Colbert will need a superb April, and coach Mike Tomlin must get the most out of his talent once training camp begins.

Early prediction: Even with a healthy Roethlisberger, the Steelers will go a second year without selling playoff tickets.

They must get younger along the offensive line, and their defense must improve. Salary cap concerns are forcing them to retool. Offensive lineman David Diehl might be the next veteran to go.

The pass-rushing defensive end trio just isn't what it was. Free agent Osi Umenyiora is unlikely to return. Justin Tuck's production has slipped at age 30, and double-teams frustrated Jason Pierre-Paul last season.

Two defensive veterans have already been cut — tackle Chris Canty and linebacker Michael Boley. Corey Webster is no longer among the league's top cornerbacks, and he might be cut if he does not agree to an adjusted salary.

Look for Jerry Reese, one of the league's best general managers, to seek help for the defense and offensive line in both the draft and free agency.

The Giants already have a playoff-caliber offense led by Eli Manning, who has won two Super Bowls. Even without Ahmad Bradshaw, who was cut Wednesday, the Giants are not worried about their running game. David Wilson, an explosive runner ready to become the primary ball carrier, blossomed late in his rookie season. Andre Brown rushed for eight touchdowns before breaking a leg. The Wilson-Brown combo is more than capable of making up for the loss of Bradshaw.

Explosive receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are looking for new contracts. Nicks is signed through next season; Cruz is a restricted free agent. Neither is going anywhere. It remains to be seen who plays tight end, with starter Martellus Bennett a free agent. Regardless of who fills that spot, the Giants can score enough points to win games.

Early prediction: They will be back in the playoffs, as a wild card at worst.

No way the Saints get back to the playoffs without dramatic defensive improvement.

After setting a record for most yards allowed during a season (7,042), it's not asking much for the Saints to do better.

Rob Ryan is expected to become defensive coordinator, although Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Gratham was also interviewed for the job. Whoever gets it will be the Saints' third defensive coordinator in three years. And plenty of question marks remain. Defensive end Will Smith and linebacker Jonathan Vilma might be salary cap casualties. Brodrick Bunkley, Junior Galette and Cameron Jordan are pieces to work with up front, but the linebackers and secondary need an influx of talent.

Look for the Saints to focus heavily on defense in the draft and free agency. Led by Drew Brees and with Sean Payton back on the sideline, the Saints should score with anyone. But they will only see the playoffs if the defense gets better — much better.

Early prediction: The Saints will get back to the playoffs as a wild card.

The Lions are a long way from being a playoff team again. Their defense is not good enough. They have not shown enough discipline on or off the field. Any time a team closes the season with an eight-game losing streak, you question whether everyone is fully committed.

The NFC North is an extremely tough division, and Detroit will need major changes on defense to compete. The Lions desperately need help in the secondary and should target at least one cornerback or safety during free agency. With the fifth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Lions might be fortunate enough to pluck a defensive stud like Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones or Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner.

Matthew Stafford's play slipped in 2012, but he remains a top young quarterback who throws to the game's best receiver in Calvin Johnson. The Lions might pursue a multi-purpose back in free agency (Reggie Bush?) to complement Mikel Leshoure. But unless the defense and discipline improve, the playoffs will remain out of reach.

Early prediction: Another non-playoff season, which could cost Jim Schwartz his job.